Basic workflows

For reading

Use the left sidebar (or the n key) to review messages thread-by-thread.

Use the down arrow key (↓) to move the cursor to the next message.

Use the End key to mark all messages in the current view as read.

For writing

To reply to a message, click on it, or use r or Enter to reply to the
message under the blue box.

When starting a new conversation, remember to start a new topic. Don't
overthink it; the first 2-3 words that come to your mind are probably
fine. Using topics may take some attention at the beginning, but after a
few days of using Zulip it will feel like second nature.

It is totally normal to have 5 conversations happening in a stream at the
same time; each on its own topic. So don't worry about interrupting; each
conversation has its own space.

It is totally normal for conversations to last many hours or days, even in
busy streams. Don't worry about replying long after a message is sent;
everyone will see your reply in context.